Warren Gatland: British and Irish Lions must prepare for ‘cup final’ series decider vs Springboks | Rugby Union News

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland spoke to media following second Take a look at defeat to the Springboks in Cape City; Gatland discusses the upcoming collection decider and its “cup closing” really feel, Rassie Erasmus’ controversial video throughout the week, and Cheslin Kolbe avoiding a pink card

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Warren Gatland advised Sky Sports activities South Africa performed with plenty of emotion as they arrange a series-deciding third Take a look at which Gatland is worked up about

Warren Gatland has advised his British and Irish Lions to arrange for a “cup closing” after their 27-9 defeat by South Africa in the second Test arrange a collection decider subsequent Saturday.

The Lions entered half-time at Cape City Stadium 9-6 forward by way of three Dan Biggar penalties however the match then turned on its head, with the world champions taking management up-front and within the air.

Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am crossed within the third quarter whereas the boot of Handre Pollard did the remaining, establishing a winner-takes-all state of affairs within the climax to the tour subsequent week.

“The gamers are very upset however subsequent Saturday is a cup closing. That is how we have got to have a look at it and put together,” head coach Gatland mentioned.

“There are some things we have got to tidy up. It is 1-1 and South Africa put an enormous quantity of emotion into that recreation. We have got that probability subsequent week to hopefully take the collection.

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Highlights of the second Take a look at between South Africa and the British and Irish Lions from Cape City

“We had been pleased at half-time and within the second half simply did not get into it. We acquired no momentum, no actual alternative to play. Nothing in any respect from our kick returns and that was disappointing.

“They scrummaged properly within the second half and acquired some reward from that. We felt going into half-time that we might carried properly, we had some ahead momentum and we simply did not obtain that in any respect within the second half.”

The build-up to the second Take a look at noticed South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus launch on-line an hour-long video critiquing the efficiency of the officers at Cape City Stadium every week earlier.

The Springboks then doubled down on their declare of being disrespected by the officers and accused Gatland of “destroying the dignity of the collection” after the Lions made it identified that they felt Marius Jonker – a South African – shouldn’t have been TMO.

“I assumed it (Erasmus’ video) was fairly attention-grabbing. I will not be happening social media this week,” Gatland mentioned.

“I do not actually wish to touch upon that as a result of I need different folks to handle it. The very last thing we want is a disagreement and being accused of doing sure issues.

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South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus launched an hour-long video criticising the refereeing within the first Take a look at

“It is wonderful to me how the narrative modified with regard to the TMO. I did not make one remark main as much as the sport final weekend concerning the TMO but I used to be accused of questioning his integrity.

“That was the message they had been sending out. We’ll maintain issues to ourselves and maintain to the right channels.

“We have got programs and course of in place. Hopefully, World Rugby appears at that to verify everybody follows the protocols.

“We cope with the referees by way of World Rugby. That is the method. I simply hope it does not get to the state of affairs the place we find yourself with issues on Twitter and other people airing their views in that manner and never by way of the right channels.

“I discovered it fairly unusual that that method was taken. It is undoubtedly not one thing I am going to become involved with. It is essential that we sustain the integrity of the sport as a lot as we will.”

Cheslin Kolbe was lucky to keep away from a pink card for taking part in Conor Murray within the air

Cheslin Kolbe was fortunate to flee a pink card for taking Lions scrum-half Conor Murray out within the air.

“We’ll have our assembly with the referee this week and see what the assessors come again with by way of their determination. It did not look nice from the place I used to be however he determined it was a yellow card determination,” Gatland mentioned.